'Large number' of plaques stolen from crematorium

Bosses at a crematorium in Leicestershire say they are "deeply saddened" after a large number of memorial plaques were stolen from its grounds.

Loughborough Crematorium said thieves targeted an area of its memorial grounds, close to the entrance to the site.

The crematorium is currently carrying out a full audit to identify all plaques that are missing and will be trying to contact the families of those affected.

Leicestershire Police said it had been made aware of the thefts and had launched an investigation.

A crematorium spokesperson said the thefts were first noticed on Thursday and the audit would enable them to say exactly how many were taken.

"These are lasting tributes to loved ones and hold great sentimental value for the families who placed them here, some dating back many decades," they said.

"We are reviewing and bolstering security measures at the crematorium in the short-term.

"Our thoughts are with the families who may be affected by this distressing incident."

A police spokesperson said: "Someone from the crematorium contacted the force on Tuesday to report that a large number of bronze memorial plaques had been taken within the last week.

"We would ask anyone with information to contact police."

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